Article: Anet Schoeman from True Love
Image: Ablestock

Exercise
Starvation diets require a lot of willpower to convince you it’s possible to survive on fluids for more than a week. Rather use this willpower to get yourself to exercise. And you don’t need a costly gym membership to get fit. The effects of half an hour of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) three times a week will do your health, figure and mindset a huge favour. Exercise suppresses the appetite, the endorphins released make you feel good and the muscles you build will speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight faster.

Water
It’s cheap and like liquid gold for your body. Forget about expensive bottled water; tap water is just fine, and effectively aids your liver and kidneys in their task to cleanse the body. Water also prevents constipation.

Focus on fresh fruit and veggies
Skip the fruit juices and opt for the real McCoy instead. Reap the many benefits of fresh fruit, the enzymes of which, according to some nutritionists, may accelerate fat burning.

Fibre
Fibre guards against constipation, as it provides bulk and “sweeps” the colon. We distinguish between two types of fibre; the soluble type that is found in oats, fruit and vegetables, and the insoluble type, in bran products, fruit and vegetables. Soluble fibre becomes a gel when it absorbs fluids to ease movement in the bowels and insoluble fibre creates bulk in the colon for soft stools. Eat at least 30g of fibre per day.

Keep protein portions smaller
The ideal portion of protein with your main meal should be low fat, no bigger than the palm of your hand and as thick as your little finger.